The Stanford University Knight-Hennessy Scholarship is one of the world’s most prestigious graduate scholarship programmes, supporting outstanding students who aspire to become future global leaders. The programme brings together scholars from diverse academic disciplines, cultures and professional backgrounds to pursue graduate education at Stanford University while developing leadership skills to tackle complex global challenges.
Each year, up to 100 exceptional students are selected to join a multidisciplinary and multicultural community committed to innovation, purposeful leadership and positive social impact.
About the Stanford University Knight-Hennessy Scholarship
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars programme is designed for talented students pursuing full-time graduate degrees at Stanford University. Scholars study across Stanford’s seven schools while participating in a leadership development programme that complements their academic studies.
The scholarship welcomes applicants from every country and has no restrictions based on age, university attended, field of study or career aspirations. The programme values diversity of thought and encourages applications from individuals with different academic, cultural and professional experiences.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive comprehensive financial support throughout their graduate studies, including:
- Full tuition coverage.
- Living stipend to support accommodation and daily expenses.
- Funding for academic and educational costs.
- Travel allowance for one annual trip to and from Stanford.
- Leadership development programme.
- Mentorship and networking opportunities.
- Access to a global community of scholars, alumni and industry leaders.
The scholarship enables recipients to focus on academic excellence while developing leadership skills that prepare them for impactful careers.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy the following requirements:
- Apply separately and simultaneously to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars programme and an eligible full-time graduate degree programme at Stanford University.
- Be admitted to and enrol in an eligible Stanford graduate programme.
- Have earned a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in January 2020 or later from a recognised institution.
- Military applicants receive an extended eligibility window and may qualify with degrees earned in January 2018 or later.
- Current undergraduate students are eligible if they will complete their first bachelor’s degree by September 2027.
Eligible graduate programmes include a wide range of master’s, doctoral and professional degrees such as MA, MS, MBA, MD, MFA, MPP, JD, DMA and PhD programmes.
Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed using three core qualities that define Knight-Hennessy Scholars.
Independence of Thought
Applicants should demonstrate intellectual curiosity, creativity, analytical thinking, openness to diverse perspectives and the ability to solve complex problems.
Purposeful Leadership
Successful candidates are expected to show resilience, ethical decision-making, courage, strong leadership potential and the ability to inspire meaningful change.
Civic Mindset
The programme seeks applicants who demonstrate humility, empathy, integrity, collaboration and a commitment to improving their communities and society.
Rather than focusing on a single achievement, the selection committee evaluates applicants holistically through every stage of the application process.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the documents required for both the Knight-Hennessy Scholars application and their chosen Stanford graduate programme.
These generally include:
- Academic transcripts.
- Bachelor’s degree certificate or expected graduation details.
- Curriculum Vitae or résumé.
- Personal essays.
- Recommendation letters.
- Video statement (for shortlisted applicants).
- Any programme-specific admission requirements requested by Stanford University.
How to Apply
Interested applicants must submit two separate applications. First, they must apply for admission to an eligible full-time graduate degree programme at Stanford University. They must also submit a separate application to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars programme before the application deadline.
Applicants are encouraged to review all eligibility requirements carefully and prepare their application materials well in advance.
Application Deadline
October 6, 2026